Message from Fr. Joe - August 23, 2026

Dear St. Martin’s Parishioners,

Champions give up everything to win. Any great athlete, musician, or artist makes incredible sacrifices to get to the top. The slightest loss of focus can cost a game, a match, or a performance. Are their sacrifices worth it? The prizes and honors are always temporary; but the pursuit gives meaning to their lives. It gives them something worth sacrificing for.

What if there was a prize we could all have, if only we were willing to give everything for it? The Gospel readings this week have warned us that the prize offered by Jesus requires us to make sacrifices, being ready to give away everything if necessary. "Go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven."

The prize to be won is eternal life, which is greater than anything we might have to sacrifice. "Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life."

Do we live our Christian lives like champions? If not, now is the time to start. It starts small, with the daily prayers and sacrifices which strengthen us. Then, when great challenges arise, we will be ready to face them, racing through them toward the prize Jesus has offered us. The saints, who have already won the prize, are our coaches and cheerleaders. Ask their help when the contest seems too hard. They will help you to become spiritual champions and win the eternal life Jesus has promised us.

In Christ,

Fr. Joe